I got a speeding ticket this summer listening to the radio discuss this book, went through a speed trap with my hand over my mouth thinking OMG as I was listening to the story - oblivious that I was doing 58 in a 35 until those pretty flashy lights showed up in my rear view mirror.

So after paying up my $300 and getting through traffic school I figured I should read the book. Or listen to the audiobook which I did on the long thanksgiving weekend drive to visit SOs family.

OMG what a story. At the center it's about a family run like a cult with child abuse and incest and rape. Horrible man, this father. But it's really well told, this true story set in Alaska wilds, with many side stories about the history of the town and the struggles between individuals and government over landowners rights and the national parks. Very well told.

I highly recommend the book but it's certainly not for those who might trigger at the very bad parts.

BS, now age 54, d-day 6-2-08, divorced after 17 years M and 20 together. In some ways I have not 'gotten over it'. But I am resilient and have created a good life where I am mostly happy.

Posts: 6083 | Registered: Jun 2008 | From: Rural California

catatonic40758Member # 40758

Posted: 11:06 PM, December 16th (Monday), 2013

Funny, I read this book the week before I found out about WH LTA.
Found the book interesting and shocking. Of course like the setting, and stories about Alaska. But yes, looked at it differently after DDAy. And I'm now realizing why I had some much time this summer to read at night. WH not interested!!
Other good books I read just weeks before DDAy.. "Blue Orchard", and" Hemmingway's Girl". Both good books. Both with A themes.
Would be triggers now. But as I read all 3 of these books weeks before the discovery, I thought I was lucky my life was not messed up as the characters in these books. GUESS I WAS WRONG. For shadowing in real life!!

Posts: 113 | Registered: Sep 2013

Jeaniegirl♀ 6370Member # 6370

Posted: 11:10 AM, January 20th (Monday), 2014

I just finished this book. Excellent ... and shocking.

"Because I deserve better"

Posts: 1043 | Registered: Feb 2005

Crescita♀ 32616Member # 32616

Posted: 10:55 AM, January 31st (Friday), 2014

Thanks for the recommendation IL. It certainly was a thought provoking read.

As horrifying as so much of it was, I found it uplifting that the children retained their innate sense of right and wrong.